Saffron Walden library put Martha’s drawings on display after the Katherine Semar Junior pupil submitted her work for what was designed to be an adult-only promotion of local art.

The selection panel for the 2014 exhibition programme, which sees the work of various budding and professional artists exhibited each month in the library’s Exchange Gallery, did not want to discourage what they called “an enthusastic young talent” and therefore chose to give Martha her own small exhibition.

Delighted by the recognition, Martha, who was drawn to art from a young age, said: “I’m really happy to have my art on display.

“I just think ‘wow’. I’m really excited this has happened because I’ve never done anything like this before.

“I like drawing portraits and landscapes, nature and characters from the Harry Potter films. One day I’d like to become an illustrator.”

Martha has even thought about how to make ‘monet’ from her work – coming up with a business plan to sell her art for 50p a piece.

Her mum, Gill Shaffer, said: “Martha did talk about having a market stall of her work but I may have to encourage her to up her prices a bit if she’s to make a living out of it. It’s really lovely of the library to do this and I’m so proud of Martha.”